Obituary of Vito L. Sgro

Vito Louis Sgro, age 87, of Lackawaxen, PA and formerly of Brooklyn, NY, passed away suddenly and peacefully, due to complications from pneumonia, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, PA, surrounded by his loving family. For the past eight years, Vito endured dialysis treatments three times a week at the caring DaVita facility in Matamoras, PA. Vito continued to have a positive outlook on life despite health setbacks. Vito was born September 4, 1936, in Manhattan, NY and was the son of the late Vito and Providenza (Norcia) Sgro. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Agnes McBrearty (Elliott) Sgro in 2017, and his brother, Frank Sgro of Atlanta, GA in 2014. Vito was the "baby brother" of four wonderful siblings and grew up in a very loving, traditional Sicilian household, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where Sunday dinner was the highlight of every week. To the end, Vito could recite the daily dinner rotation that he and his siblings grew up eating weekly. Vito attended East New York High School in Brooklyn, NY and was drafted into the US Army at 18 years old. He served overseas and was stationed in Germany post-World War II. Vito was a proud first-generation American, and after serving his country, he returned to the New York area and met the love of his life, Agnes, at Coney Island on a rollercoaster. Vito and Agnes raised their two sons, Michael and Richard, in Woodhaven, Queens and have fond memories together. The family enjoyed day trips to Rockaway beach, Mets games at Shea Stadium, and playing paddle ball with their neighbors on Eldert Lane. From 1971 to 1985, Vito owned and operated Westside Hero Restaurant, specializing in breakfast and lunch, in Manhattan, on 17th and 10th Avenue, and was known for his famous chicken cutlet hero. And to the end, Vito would often make chicken cutlets for friends and family. Vito and Agnes always loved their weekend home in Masthope, PA, and in 1990, they left New York and became year-round residents in Lackawaxen, PA. He worked as a gatekeeper at Woodloch Springs for 34 years and was the friendly face that greeted guests and residents in the golf community. Woodloch became a second family to Vito and Woodloch always kept a close eye on him in his later years. Vito’s dedication to Woodloch was apparent as Vito worked at the gatehouse until the week of his passing. Vito was an avid golfer, football pool organizer, poker enthusiast, and horse-racing fan. In his later years, Vito took an interest in landscape nature paintings by watching Bob Ross on the television. He always had a smile on his face and could often be found whistling the tune of "American Pie". To know Vito was to love Vito. Vito is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and his wife, Barbara (Gill) Sgro of Westfield, NJ; Richard and his wife, Paige (Leibowitz) Sgro of Island Park, NY; three grandchildren, Lauren, Jordyn and Jagger Sgro; one sister, Frances Pisciotto of Seaford, NY; and one brother, Louis Sgro of Massapequa, NY. Vito is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins who all have great memories with "Uncle Vito". He was a wonderful friend to all and will be dearly missed! A celebration of Vito’s life will be held on Sunday, August 18th, at Richard and Paige’s home in Island Park, NY.